The New York Times has an article on pachinko machines (imagine a Japanese pinball machine), and how some pachinko operators are thriving in spite (or because of) of the economic downturn in Japan - now 10 years old and counting. When I was but a wee gaffer (OK, maybe a little less wee) my Dad bought me a pachinko machine for my birthday. I remember how he wrapped the outside of the machine in wrapping paper - here was this present stuck to the wall. Though I did not know what a pachinko machine was, I quickly fell in love with it and would spend hours and hours playing it. I was most likely the only kid in my neighborhood with a pachinko machine. Pretty cool.
There are a number of pachinko machines available on eBay. Maybe I should add a pachinko machine to my birthday wishlist - a little over a month to go after all. :) (Here are some cool pictures of pachinko machines: Paradise, Peace, and Lighthouse.
Over the last two Christmases, my Dad has bought me a couple of magazines dedicated to model railroading, another of his passions and mine. When HCW™ and I finally get a place of our own, I look forward to buying some HO track, a transformer, an engine and a couple of cars, and spending long nights driving trains around the basement. Thanks, Pops!